Reinforce school bus safety on and off the bus

School buses take to the roads every morning and afternoon for nine months, and that means you need to be a cautious driver throughout the school year, not just during the first week of school. Whether you're sending your child to school or driving behind a bus on your way to work, keep these points in mind. 

Parents 

Talk to your children about safety on and around the bus. Remind them to: 

• Always cross in front of the bus
• Wait for the bus driver to signal before crossing

Drivers

It's up to you to be on the lookout for children – especially in school zones, playgrounds, and neighborhoods. Plus, you need to know the rules about driving near a school bus. 

Here are a few key reminders: 

• Buses have red flashing lights and a stop sign that extends to alert traffic when students are getting on and off. When a bus uses its lights and/or stop sign: 
  • Traffic in both directions is required to stop on an undivided road. 
  • It's illegal to pass a bus that is stopped to let children on or off.
• Drive at least 10 feet behind a bus to allow for stops – buses make frequent stops including at all railroad crossings. 
• Watch for any signals from the bus driver. 
• Follow the directions of the school crossing guard. 
• In most cases, vehicles on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop for a bus. However, you should confirm your state's laws. 

For specific bus laws in your state, like what to do on a divided highway or how far behind a bus you're required to stop, visit: http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/school-buses. 

Click here for more safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.